Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Riley Moss is an American professional football player who plays as a cornerback for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 3, 2000, in Ankeny, Iowa, Moss grew up in a family that strongly supported his athletic ambitions, particularly his dream of playing football for the University of Iowa.
Riley Moss’s family includes his parents, Mark Moss and Beth Moss, who both pursued careers in education and played important roles in his development. The Denver Broncos cornerback has also been romantically linked to Emilee Petersen, a former Iowa State University student who pursued a career in veterinary medicine. While his parents and past relationship are documented, information about his children and siblings remains limited.
Who Is Riley Moss’s Girlfriend?
Riley Moss has been publicly linked to Emilee Petersen, who was identified as his girlfriend in reports published during his transition from college football to the NFL.
The couple reportedly began dating in December 2021, while Moss was playing college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Their relationship became publicly known after Petersen celebrated their first anniversary in December 2022.
According to an article about the partners of players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Petersen marked the occasion with an Instagram post expressing appreciation for their first year together.
Moss responded positively to her message, indicating that he hoped their relationship would continue for many more years.
In May 2023, Moss also acknowledged having a girlfriend during an interview with Denver7. While discussing his appearance, he joked that his mother and girlfriend had not liked his decision to grow a mustache.
The comment offered a lighthearted glimpse into his personal relationships shortly after the Denver Broncos selected him in the NFL Draft.
A December 2024 article published by Players Bio continued to identify Emilee Petersen as Moss’s girlfriend and discussed their support for each other’s professional ambitions.
However, the couple’s relationship has not been independently reconfirmed through more recent public reporting.
As of now, Emilee Petersen remains Riley Moss’s most recently documented girlfriend, although their current relationship status has not been publicly verified.
Who Is Emilee Petersen?
Emilee Petersen is an American former college dancer and veterinary medicine student who became known to football fans through her relationship with Riley Moss.
She grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, the same community where Moss was raised.
Petersen attended Iowa State University, where she studied animal science and participated in competitive dance.
According to a December 2024 profile published by Players Bio, she was a member of the university’s dance team and represented the United States in international pom competitions.
She was part of the U.S. National Pom Team that won the 2022 International Cheer Union World Championship.
Following her undergraduate studies, Petersen pursued veterinary medicine at Iowa State University.
The 2024 report indicated that she expected to complete her veterinary studies in 2026, although her eventual graduation has not been independently verified.
Her academic interests reportedly developed from an early enthusiasm for science and animals.
During her university years, she also balanced educational responsibilities, dance commitments and employment.
Although Petersen gained attention because of her connection to Moss, she has maintained her own educational and professional interests outside football.
Is Riley Moss Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Riley Moss is married.
While the Denver Broncos player has previously been identified as the boyfriend of Emilee Petersen, neither an official wedding announcement nor a verified marriage record has been established through the public reporting reviewed.
His official Denver Broncos biography focuses on his football achievements and does not identify a wife.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe Moss as married or to identify Petersen as his wife without additional confirmation.
As of now, Riley Moss’s marital status has not been publicly confirmed.
Riley Moss’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
There is currently no reliable public information confirming that Riley Moss has children.
His official biographies from the Denver Broncos and the University of Iowa do not identify any sons or daughters.
Similarly, established interviews discussing his personal life and relationship with Emilee Petersen have not documented the birth of a child.
Although Moss occasionally shares glimpses of his activities outside football, he has not publicly established that he is a father through the reliable sources reviewed.
It is important to distinguish the absence of publicly confirmed children from a definitive statement that he does not have children.
As of now, Riley Moss has no publicly confirmed children.
Riley Moss’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Riley Moss was born to Mark Moss and Beth Moss in Ankeny, Iowa.
Their names are confirmed in his official University of Iowa football biography, which identifies them as his parents.
Both Mark and Beth have worked in education and have provided significant support throughout Riley’s athletic journey.
While his father introduced him to Iowa football and encouraged his sporting interests, his mother has been an important source of advice and emotional support.
Mark Moss – Riley Moss’s Father
Mark Moss is Riley Moss’s father, a former college football player and an educator who has worked as an elementary school principal in Ankeny, Iowa.
According to recruiting information published by On3, Mark previously played football at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa.
His own experience as a football player helped him understand the challenges his son would eventually face while pursuing a professional career.
Mark is also a longtime supporter of the University of Iowa’s football program.
In an interview published by Sports Illustrated in 2022, Riley explained that his father’s enthusiasm for the Hawkeyes began influencing him when he was a young child.
Mark regularly took his son to Iowa football games, giving Riley an opportunity to experience the program’s atmosphere long before becoming a college athlete.
The family held season tickets, and attending games became an important tradition during Riley’s childhood.
Those experiences contributed to his dream of eventually playing football for the Hawkeyes.
Mark also supported his son’s development during difficult moments.
After Riley struggled defensively during a game against Purdue in 2018, his father encouraged him to decide how he would respond to adversity.
Rather than allowing the disappointing performance to define his career, Mark urged him to learn from the experience and improve.
The advice became an example of the resilience and personal responsibility that Riley’s parents tried to encourage.
Mark also became involved in efforts supporting Iowa football families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a January 2025 report by EssentiallySports, he and Beth participated in discussions involving Big Ten officials after the conference postponed its 2020 football season.
His involvement demonstrated the family’s commitment to supporting college athletes and their opportunities.
Beth Moss – Riley Moss’s Mother
Beth Moss is Riley Moss’s mother and an educator with a professional background in nursing.
According to reporting published by EssentiallySports in January 2025, Beth worked as an assistant professor of nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa.
Her professional career has focused on education and preparing future healthcare professionals.
Alongside Mark, Beth helped her son evaluate his athletic opportunities and make important decisions about his future.
When Riley was approaching the end of high school, his parents discussed his ambition to play college football at a competitive level.
They helped him research universities and possible scholarship opportunities.
Although he initially committed to North Dakota State University, his ambition to represent Iowa ultimately influenced his final decision.
Beth also supported Riley during moments when his athletic career became challenging.
She has spoken publicly about the difficulties of being a team leader, particularly when performances do not go as planned.
Her perspective emphasized that leadership involves responding positively to adversity rather than simply enjoying success.
Beth has continued to follow her son’s career after his transition to professional football.
She also occasionally provides humorous insights into Riley’s personality away from the field, including his changing hairstyles and facial hair.
In a 2023 Denver7 interview, Riley revealed that his mother had joined his girlfriend in expressing disapproval of his mustache.
The moment showed the relaxed and affectionate side of their relationship.
As her son developed into an important member of Denver’s defense, Beth remained one of the publicly documented sources of encouragement in his life.
Riley Moss’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Information about Riley Moss’s brothers and sisters is limited.
Although his parents, Mark and Beth Moss, are identified in multiple official football biographies, those records do not establish the names or number of his siblings.
Major interviews discussing his upbringing in Ankeny have primarily focused on his relationship with his parents and the family’s longstanding connection to the University of Iowa.
No reliable publicly available source reviewed for this article identifies a brother or sister.
Consequently, it is not possible to confirm whether Riley Moss has siblings or is an only child.
As of now, the identities of any brothers or sisters of Riley Moss have not been publicly verified.
Riley Moss’s Early Life and Family Background
Riley Moss was born on March 3, 2000, in Ankeny, Iowa, a community located near Des Moines.
Growing up, he developed a strong interest in football, influenced partly by his father’s passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
He attended Ankeny Centennial High School, where he became an accomplished athlete in both football and track and field.
On the football field, Moss played defensive back, wide receiver and return specialist.
His speed and athletic ability also made him one of Iowa’s leading high school hurdlers.
During his senior year, he set an Iowa all-time record in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.85 seconds.
Despite his impressive athletic achievements, Moss initially attracted limited attention from major college football programs.
He committed to North Dakota State University before receiving a late opportunity from the University of Iowa.
His family’s longstanding connection to the Hawkeyes made Iowa an especially meaningful destination.
Although Iowa initially offered a delayed scholarship arrangement, Moss accepted because he wanted to represent the university he had supported since childhood.
He joined the Hawkeyes in 2018 and began contributing immediately.
During his freshman season, he earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week recognition after recording two interceptions against Minnesota.
Over the following seasons, Moss developed into one of Iowa’s leading defensive backs.
He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021 and 2022 and received the conference’s Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year award for the 2021 season.
After completing his college career, he entered the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos selected Moss in the third round with the 83rd overall pick.
His selection represented the fulfillment of a long-term ambition that began during his childhood in Iowa.
In 2024, Moss became a regular starter in Denver’s secondary and recorded 86 tackles, eight passes defended and one interception.
He continued improving during the 2025 season, recording 80 tackles, 19 passes defended and one interception in 17 starts.
His 19 passes defended tied for the most in the NFL that season.
Throughout his development from a high school athlete to an established NFL cornerback, Mark and Beth Moss have remained important figures in his personal story.
Is Riley Moss Related to Randy Moss?
Despite sharing the same surname and playing professional football, Riley Moss has no publicly established family relationship with former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss.
Randy Moss was born in West Virginia and became one of the most celebrated wide receivers in NFL history.
Riley, meanwhile, was born in Iowa and developed his career as a defensive back.
Official biographies identify Riley’s parents as Mark and Beth Moss, while Randy Moss comes from a different documented family background.
No authoritative source establishes that the two players are father and son, brothers or otherwise related.
Therefore, claims suggesting a family connection between Riley Moss and Randy Moss should not be treated as confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riley Moss’s Family
Who is Riley Moss’s girlfriend?
Riley Moss has been publicly linked to Emilee Petersen, who was identified as his girlfriend in reports published between 2023 and 2024. Their current relationship status has not been independently confirmed.
Who is Emilee Petersen?
Emilee Petersen is a former Iowa State University dancer and veterinary medicine student who was publicly identified as Riley Moss’s girlfriend.
Is Riley Moss married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Riley Moss is married or has a wife.
Does Riley Moss have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Riley Moss through official NFL biographies or reliable reporting.
Who is Riley Moss’s father?
His father is Mark Moss, a former Waldorf University football player who has worked as an elementary school principal in Ankeny, Iowa.
Who is Riley Moss’s mother?
His mother is Beth Moss, an educator who has worked as an assistant professor of nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa.
Does Riley Moss have siblings?
The names and number of Riley Moss’s siblings have not been reliably established in publicly available official biographies or interviews.
Is Riley Moss related to Randy Moss?
There is no verified family relationship between Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss and former NFL wide receiver Randy Moss.
Where is Riley Moss from?
Riley Moss was born in Ankeny, Iowa, and attended Ankeny Centennial High School before playing college football at the University of Iowa.
How old is Riley Moss?
Riley Moss was born on March 3, 2000. He is 26 years old as of October 2026.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
